Looking at the Senators recent developments

First off, i'd like to say congratulations to the Ottawa Senators for finally breaking out of their slump with a couple of wins on Wednesday and Friday. Their 5-4 win against Florida Wednesday was extremely ugly, but a win is a win and that's what's important. What followed was a display of the contrary of exactly what was plaguing the Sens during their losing streak: secondary scoring. Spezza, Heatley and Alfie, probably the best trio in the league, were continuing to rack up the points even when they were losing. However, the 3 of them combined for only 2 assists against the Stars because players like Mike Fisher and Antoine Vermette stepped up to the challenge and scored.

Also, Emery put in some solid goaltending for the Sens. I'm going to risk it and say Rayzor has officially regained his No. 1 status. Gerber had a good run, but he's one of the streakiest goaltenders around and he looks like he's back at square one right now. Should we trade him? The Senators could probably send him to the defence-starving L.A. Kings and get a good second-liner in return, no?

My bet is that Ottawa shouldn't trade Gerber away just yet because Emery could get injured again. He's suffered 2 injuries in 2 seasons for Ottawa. If you remember, when Emery was replacing Hasek, he suffered a minor hip injury towards the end of the season and was reportedly bothered by it for a while. Of course, last year he had his wrist injury. If Rayzor gets injured again, I have absolutely no confidence in Brian Elliott, the Binghamton goaltender.

So I say wait until the end of the season and then trade either Gerber or Emery and perhaps get a good second-line scorer and a couple draft picks in return.

Sir Barbeton